Washington State to Issue ID Cards to Convicts upon Release

The Washington State Department of Corrections is set to begin issuing photo identification to offenders released from prison as a way to assist them in obtaining housing, employment, new driver’s licenses and other forms of ID. One of the problems faced by offenders once they leave prison is acquiring acceptable forms of ID. In many cases, these individuals have lost track of their personal documents. Without a driver’s license, social security card, or birth certificate, it can be quite difficult to meet the requirements for obtaining a new license or ID. But the photo ID being issued by the Department of Corrections helps to solve this problem.

The Department of Licensing, for instance, has agreed to accept the ID card as one of several required documents for obtaining a state ID or driver’s license.